The European chain-of-command

In a recent study of the low rate of completion for Ukraine’s priorities under the Ukraine-EU Association Agenda, ICPS analysts came to the conclusion that the fundamental reason for this failure was the low administrative capacity of CEBs to carry out the Agenda, which is, in turn, tied to the weakness—or even complete absence—of an effective coordination and oversight mechanism.

Among the ways to overcome this “sickness” proposed by ICPS was setting up an authorized European integration coordinating body.

This reality may have become obvious not just for independent analysts but also for government officials who have been put in charge of this. Whatever else may be the case, Presidential Decree ¹352/2011 dated 5 April 2011, “On certain issues regarding the Administration of the President of Ukraine,” establishes a European Integration Administration.

What exactly does this decision suggest?

Firstly, this is an indirect signal about Ukraine’s strategic course. Against a background of “optimistic” statements by certain officials regarding Ukraine’s possibly joining the Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan, this signal comes none too soon.

Secondly, this indicates that there is understanding at the highest level in the country that European integration is not purely an international issue. Indeed, the issue of European integration is tightly tied to the institution of new economic policies and to reforming the social sphere.

Last, but not least, this decision suggests the inadequate efforts of government bodies in virtually all areas that are related to European integrations. The most telling evidence of this disappointing work are the empty boxes in the progress assessment table for scheduled reforms in “International integration and cooperation” in the economic reform program.

In short, the hope is that, by setting up a European Integration Administration within the Presidential Administration, the first step has been taken towards building an effective Eurointegration administration system.